I found the thinner pieces of granite like you would get with a cut out didn't hold up to lots of heavy basket stamping. I kept having pieces break off. About 10 years ago I got a granite surface plate about 3" thick. it been great and it wasn't that expensive either, maybe $80.00 or so.

I found the thinner pieces of granite like you would get with a cut out didn't hold up to lots of heavy basket stamping. I kept having pieces break off. About 10 years ago I got a granite surface plate about 3" thick. it been great and it wasn't that expensive either, maybe $80.00 or so.

I agree with Greywynd and mulefool, for a good stamping block it's much better to have something that is 3 to 4 inches thick or more. You may not think you have much bounce with a thin slab until you try one with more beef to it. You will see an improvment in impression depth especially basket stamping.

Wow that is a great price for granite plates!! The free shipping is also a great deal sweetener. Everybody on this forum who stamps or tools should get one of these, even if it is just a small one. I've been stamping on one for years and will never go back to thin, easily broken marble slabs.
Thanks for posting!!!!!!!!
Tim

Grade A's are for high precision tolerances/machining. In fact when you step up to high tolerances you would keep the temperature constant in the QC room and even soak your parts in that room prior to them being checked.

Interested in learning about:I want to learn how to be a better carver/carftsman, and maybe some braiding.

Posted 12 March 2009 - 10:56 AM

I've heard both ways saying that marble is better if you get a thick piece, as it's softer and if a tool punches through less likely to damage the tool. Granite is harder and I do know that it will mess up tools. My daughter used a single hole punch and really destroyed it on granite. After the talking to I gave her she knows better now, but damage was already done. One other thing, I have a piece of marble about 3 and 1/2 in. thick that is app. 24"x28'' that I got for free from the scrap pile of a monument maker. The manager, after I told him what I wanted it for took me out to the pile and told me to get anything that I could load, as they have to pay to have it hauled off. That was the best piece that day, but he also told me to check back. That has been several years ago, and I hopeing to get a new tooling table made and if things work out I going back and try to get a pice with really straight edges and have it recessed into the table top. Anyway a good source might be to check with any local monument makers for their cast offs. Good Luck Billy P

Ya need at least 3-4 inch slab of granite to tool....also you can sand it down so you have smooth surface to sharpen tools !!!
I have a 36X20X4 for free, if anybody wants it....pick up in Gate City, VA 24251!!!